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Take to the Woods

Bernice Ann Parrott
Bethesda Elementary School, Lawrenceville, Georgia

Subject: Science
Grade: 1-5 (Gifted)

"Students learned many scientific concepts, as evidenced by the fact that their average scores on botany pre- and post-tests increased from 35 percent to 90 percent correct."

Purpose and Description of Project

In this project, Bernice Parrott used nature in all its guises -- from flowers to snakes -- to stimulate the development of research, writing, and photographic skills among 48 gifted students in grades one through five. The youngsters constructed their own nature trail; studied mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and spiders; and learned to identify numerous trees, flowers, and other plants. They also recorded their findings in a three-part slide/tape presentation and in informational, story, and poetry books-all illustrated with original and copied photos and drawings.

The teacher says, "Motivation was never a worry! Interest and enthusiasm were high and to add the ingredient of photography was fantastic."

The books were the results of the children's choosing various natural phenomena they were interested in photographing and researching-ranging from "Our Favorite Snakes" to "The Life of a Tulip."

Activities

Since photography was the hub of this project, the children first studied photographic techniques through films and then gained hands-on experiences during a class visit by a professional photographer. Then Parrott instructed them in how to develop photographic reports -- including how to select a topic, develop objectives, analyze the audience, collect information, and make storyboards. They also learned about outlining, writing, editing, and rewriting.

Other activities varied according to students' talents and interests. For example, in their "What's Underground?" project, first graders dug down about a foot, studying the various life forms in each layer of earth. Second graders collected and studied branch water, discovering protozoa under the microscope. All grade levels contributed information and photographs to the first slide/tape show and wrote portions of the script.

The culminating activity occurred on the state's Gifted Education Day, when the students showed their slide presentations, displayed and read their books, and provided guided tours of the nature trail for 20 different classes. They also presented a copy of their books and slide-tape shows to the school's library so that their work will help students for years to come.

Materials, Resources, and Expenses

Human resources included the forester and botanist who shared their knowledge and starred in two of the slide shows; parents who helped type the book; a photographer; scout troops, leaders, and parents who helped construct the nature trail; and the school's art teacher and various other school personnel.

Equipment included a movie projector, slide projector, book binding machine, typewriter, visual-sync recorder, other tape recorders, a slide editor, a tripod, several lenses, and a variety of cameras, including the teacher's 35 mm. However, she adds that her project called for two copies of all products, but that would not necessarily be required in other situations.

Outcomes and Adaptability

Parrott reports that her students became very interested in photography; developed research, planning and organizational skills; developed a sense of order in their writing; and became better observers and more sensitive to their environment.

The project also generated a high level of response and support from the school as a whole and from the community.

The teacher adds that, while this project was carried out in a gifted resource program, "any teacher can use nature as an inspiration for creative photography, writing, and research."

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